Bates County is a county located in the U.S. state of Missouri. As of the most recent data available, the county has a population of approximately 16,653 people, with a population density of about 19.61 persons per square mile.
The county spans a total land area of 849.00 square miles (2,199.00 square kilometers). The administrative center and county seat is Butler, which often serves as a hub for local governance and services. The largest city within the county by population is Butler.
Geographically, Bates County experiences varied elevations, with its highest point at Hume 894 ft and its lowest point at Rich Hill 801 ft. The region operates in the UTC-6.